Murray Picked Despite Sunday Match Refusal

Devout Christian and International Rugby star Euan Murray has been picked for Scotland’s Six Nations squad, despite refusing to play matches on Sundays.

Coach Andy Robinson has picked Murray for the side along with the rest of the Scotland squad who travelled to New Zealand for the world cup in 2011.

But down-under Murray’s presence was keenly missed in Scotland’s Sunday matches, and may even have contributed to the team’s relatively poor showing, when they missed out on a quarter final position.

In the Six Nations tournament, which comprises matches between Scotland, Wales, Ireland, England, France and Italy, two of Scotland’s matches fall on a Sunday, including a potentially crucial match against France at Murrayfield, Scotland’s home stadium, on the 26th of February.

Fans will be concerned that with the 18 stone Murray missing from the pack, Scotland may struggle against the muscular French forwards.

But qualified Veterinarian Murray will remember his team in prayer as they take the field, although he will not watch the match, as he takes the idea of Sunday as a Christian day of rest very seriously.

Although he was raised as a Christian he didn’t commit himself wholeheartedly to Christian living until he was knocked out in a game against Northern Irish club Munster, in 2005.

Following an horrific bang on the head, which caused his team mates to think he was about to die, Murray was taken off the pitch by medics .

After recovering he began to reflect on his life as a professional sportsman, and decided to turn his back on what he felt was a way of life which was dirty.

In an interview in 2010 he said: "I'm ashamed of the things I've done. Of course I am. But I'm thankful I have a saviour. He's saved me from that lifestyle. He's given me a new life."

Scotland will begin their Six Nations 2012 campaign against England on Saturday 4th of February at Murrayfield.